When you listen to your dog, your dog listens to you...
But what does this actually mean?
Your dog is like an outer manifestation of your nervous system. When you listen to your nervous system and practice good habits of self-care and self-regulation, your nervous system receives cues of safety.
When you listen to your dog and respond to their need for connection and co-regulation, your dog receives cues of safety.
Cues of safety calm the dog just like they calm your nervous system. Now we have a positive feedback loop. You are calm, your dog is calm, and the two of you can co-regulate and give each other a sense of connection, safety, and grounding.
This leads to a deep bond, a very special relationship, and a happy life!!